Paying for Senior Living
Assistance for Seniors
on Social Security
Navigating the wide range of senior living options can be difficult. For seniors living on a low income, the added stress of figuring out how to pay for Independent or Assisted Living can be overwhelming. To help make your search easier, we have created this page to serve as a resource for you and your loved ones.
On this page, you will learn more about HUD's low-income senior housing program and ALTCS healthcare benefits, including details about the application processes and necessary qualifications for each. In addition, we have made the applications for HUD and ALTCS available to print or download.
Questions?
Give us a call or send us an email; we are happy to help!
Equal housing opportunity is afforded to all persons (the head or co-head of the household) who meet HUD age restrictions of 62 or older and meet certain State & Federal guidelines to qualify.
Information & Applications Ready to Download
Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS)
ALTCS is the State of Arizona's Medicaid program that provides long-term care services for individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and need ongoing skilled nursing services. Program participants do not have to reside in a nursing home to receive benefits. Many ALTCS participants live in an assisted living facility or their own homes and receive the care services they need.
At Christian Care Cottonwood Assisted Living, we accept both private pay and ALTCS benefits.
Applying for ALTCS benefits
If you think you or your loved one might qualify for ALTCS assistance, we strongly encourage you to review the program requirements and complete a "Request for Application for ALTCS" as soon as possible. Depending on ALTCS' caseload, the application process can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months.
Below, we have created a packet of information on the ALTCS program, including a list of questions & answers from ALTCS' website, as well as the "Request for Application" in a fillable format.
Download & Print:
(Please note this document is 11 pages. Individual sections can be found at the bottom of this page).
Subsidized Independent Living in Cottonwood
We provide affordable Independent Living for seniors under HUD's Section 202 program.
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 's Section 202 program, Supportive Housing for the Elderly, was designed to increase the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for seniors.
Admission Qualifications for HUD-Subsidized Senior Housing
Download & Print:
Key Differences between HUD & ALTCS
While many of the program requirements are the same for both HUD and ALTCS, a few key differences can create confusion when applicants are applying for both programs.
These are the top three differences:
HUD and ALTCS each have an age requirement to qualify for senior housing assistance and long-term care benefits.
HUD = 62 and older, ALTCS = 65 and older (Assisted Living for seniors)
HUD: Provides financial assistance for the senior's dwelling or living unit. Residents typically pay 30% of their adjusted income for rent and utilities.
ALTCS: Provides financial assistance for the participant's long-term care services, whether provided at home or in an ALTCS-approved assisted living or skilled nursing facility. ALTCS also sets aside a certain amount each month for residents to use for incidentals, known as a 'Personal Allowance.'
HUD is a federal program, so applicants must be US citizens but do not need to be Arizona residents to apply for assistance in Arizona.
ALTCS is Arizona's own Medicaid program (different from the national Medicaid program). Applicants must be Arizona residents to qualify. *Note: you can start the ALTCS application process before moving to AZ. However, to finish the process and be qualified, you must be an Arizona resident.
ALTCS Guides & Forms
Veteran's Aid & Attendance Benefits
For Veterans and survivors who qualify, the VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound program provides additional funds to a monthly VA pension payment.
To learn more about the VA Aid and Attendance program, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please follow the link below:
Additional Resources for Senior Housing Assistance
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Arizona Office
